Acids and bases produce ions when they dissolve in water. Acids produce positive hydrogen ions (H⁺) in water, while bases produce negative hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in water.
When an acid dissolves in water, it donates hydrogen ions (H⁺) to the solution. For example, hydrochloric acid (HCl) dissociates in water to form H⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. The presence of these H⁺ ions is what makes the solution acidic.
On the other hand, when a base dissolves in water, it donates hydroxide ions (OH⁻) to the solution. For example, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) dissociates in water to form Na⁺ and OH⁻ ions. The presence of these OH⁻ ions is what makes the solution basic.
In summary, acids produce positive hydrogen ions (H⁺) in water, and bases produce negative hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in water.